<h2>Period of Revelation</h2>
<p>
This Surah comprises several discourses which were revealed on
different occasions during the period ranging probably between the end
of A. H. 3 and the end of A. H. 4 or the beginning of A. H. 5.
Although it is difficult to determine the exact dates of their
revelations, yet it is possible to assign to them a fairly correct
period with the help of the Commandments and the events mentioned
therein and the Traditions concerning them. A few instances are given
below by way of illustration :
</p>
<OL>
<p>
<LI> We know that the instructions about
the division of inheritance of the martyrs and for the safeguard of
the rights of the orphans were sent down after the Battle of Uhd in
which 70 Muslims were killed. Then naturally the question of the
division of the inheritance of the martyrs and the safeguard of the
rights of their orphans arose in many families at Al-Madinah. From
this we conclude that vv. 1 -28 were revealed on that occasion.
</p>
<p>
<LI> We
learn from the Traditions that the Commandment about salat during war
time was given on the occasion of Zat-ur-Riqa'a, an expedition which
took place in A. H. 4. From this we conclude that the discourse
containing v. 102 was revealed on that occasion.
</p>
<p>
<LI> The last warning
(v. 47) to the Jews was given before the Banu Nadir were exiled from
Al-Madinah in Rabi'-ulAwwal, A. H. 4. From this it may safely be
concluded that the discourse containing v. 47 must have been revealed
some time before that date.
</p>
<p>
<LI> The permission about <em>tayammum</em> (the
performance of ablutions with pure dust, in case no water be
available) was given during the Bani-al-Mustaliq expedition, which
took place in A. H. 5.. Therefore the probable period of the
revelation of the discourse containing v. 43 was A. H. 5.
</p>
</OL>
<h2>Topics and Their Background</h2>
<p>
Let us now consider the social and historical considerations of the
period in order to understand the Surah. All the discourses in this
Surah deal with three main problems which confronted the Holy Prophet
at the time. First of all, he was engaged in bringing about an all
round development of the Islamic Community that had been formed at the
time of his migration to Al-Madinah. For this purpose he was
introducing new moral, cultural, social, economic and political ways
in place of the old ones of the pre-Islamic period. The second thing
that occupied his attention and efforts was the bitter struggle that
was going on with the <em>mushrik</em> Arabs, the Jewish clans and the
hypocrites who were opposing tooth and nail his mission of reform.
Above all he had to propagate Islam in the face of the bitter
opposition of these powers of evil with a view to capturing more and
more minds and hearts.
</p>
<p>
Accordingly, detailed instructions have been
given for the consolidation and strengthening of the Islamic Community
in continuation of those given in Al-Baqarah. Principles for the
smooth running of family life have been laid down and ways of settling
family disputes have been taught. Rules have been prescribed for
marriage and rights of wife and husband have been apportioned fairly
and equitably. The status of women in the society has been determined
and the declaration of the rights of orphans has been made laws and
regulations have been laid down for the division of inheritance, and
instructions have been given to reform economic affairs. The
foundation of the penal code has been laid down drinking has been
prohibited, and instructions have been given for cleanliness and
purity. The Muslims have been taught the kind of relations good men
should have with their Allah and fellow men. Instructions have been
given for the maintenance of discipline in the Muslim Community. 
</p>
<p>
The
moral and religious condition of the people of the Book has been
reviewed to teach lessons to the Muslims and to forewarn them to
refrain from following in their footsteps. The conduct of the
hypocrites has been criticized and the distinctive features of
hypocrisy and true faith have been clearly marked off to enable the
Muslims to distinguish between the two. 
</p>
<p>
In order to cope with the
aftermath of the Battle of Uhd, Inspiring discourses were sent down
to urge the Muslims to face the enemy bravely, for the defeat in the
Battle had so emboldened the <em>mushrik</em> Arab clans and the neighboring
Jews and the hypocrites at home that they were threatening the Muslims
on all sides. At this critical juncture, Allah filled the Muslims with
courage and gave them such instructions as were needed during that
period of war clouds. In order to counteract the fearful rumors that
were being spread by the hypocrites and the Muslims of weak faith,
they were asked to make a thorough enquiry into them and to inform the
responsible people about them. Then they were experiencing some
difficulties in offering their salat during the expeditions to some
places where no water was available for performing their ablutions,
etc. In such cases they were allowed to cleanse themselves with pure
earth and to shorten the salat or to offer the "Salat of Fear", when
they were faced with danger. Instructions were also given for the
solution of the puzzling problem of those Muslims who were scattered
among the unbelieving Arab clans and were often involved in war. They
were asked to migrate to Al-Madinah, the abode of Islam. 
</p>
<p>
This Surah
also deals with the case of Bani Nadir who were showing a hostile and
menacing attitude, in spite of the peace treaties they had made with
the Muslims. They were openly siding with the enemies of Islam and
hatching plots against the Holy Prophet and the Muslim Community even
at AI-Madinah itself. They were taken to task for their inimical
behavior and given a final warning to change their attitude, and were
at last exiled from Al-Madinah on account of their misconduct. 
</p>
<p>
The
problem of the hypocrites, who had become very troublesome at that
time, was involving the Believers in difficulties-- Therefore they
were divided into different categories to enable the Muslims to deal
with them appropriately. 
</p>
<p>
Clear instructions were also given regarding
the attitude they should adopt towards the non-belligerent clans. The
most important thing needed at that time was to prepare the Muslims
for the bitter struggle with the opponents of Islam. For this purpose
greatest importance was attached to their character building, for it
was obvious that the small Muslim Community could only come out
successful, nay, survive, if the Muslims possessed high moral
character. They were, therefore, enjoined to adopt the highest moral
qualities and were severely criticized whenever any moral weakness was
detected in them. 
</p>
<p>
Though this Surah mainly deals with the moral and
social reforms, yet due attention has been paid to propagation of
Islam. On the one hand, the superiority of the Islamic morality and
culture has been established over that of the Jews, Christians and
mushriks; on the other hand, their wrong religious conceptions, their
wrong morality and their evil acts have been criticized to prepare the
ground for inviting them to the way of the Truth.
</p>
<h2>Subject: Consolidation of the Islamic Community</h2>
<p>
The main object of this Surah is to teach the Muslims the ways that
unite a people and make them firm and strong. Introductions for the
stability of family, which is the nucleus of community have been given.
Then they have been urged to prepare themselves for defence. Side by
side with these, they have been taught the importance of the
propagation of Islam. Above all, the importance of the highest moral
character in the scheme of consolidation of the Community has been
impressed.
</p>
<h3>Topics and their Interconnection</h3>
<p>
Just, fair and equitable laws and regulations for the smooth running of family life have been laid down for the husband and wife. Detailed instructions have been given for the division of inheritance and due regard has been paid to the rights of orphans. <strong>1 - 35</strong>
</p>
<p>
In order to inculcate the right spirit for the observance of rules and regulations, the Muslims have been enjoined to show generosity to all around them and to be free from meanness, selfishness, stinginess of mind, because this is essential for the consolidation of the Communities and helpful for the propagation of Islam. <strong>36 - 42</strong>
</p>
<p>
The ways of the purification of mind and body for the offering of Salat have been taught because it plays the most important part in every scheme of moral and social reform. <strong>43</strong> 
</p>
<p>
After moral preparation, instructions for defence have been given. First of all, the Muslims have been warned to be on their guard against the cunning machinations and vile practices of the local Jews who were hostile to the New Movement. This caution was necessary for removing some possible misunderstanding that might have arisen on account of the pre-Islamic alliance between the people of Al-Madinah and the Jews. <strong>44 - 57</strong> 
</p>
<p>
Then they have been enjoined to place their trusts and offices of trust in the custody of honest and qualified persons, and to do what is just and right, and to obey Allah and His Messenger and those among themselves entrusted with the conduct of their affairs and to turn to Allah and His Messenger for the settlement of their disputes. As such an attitude and behaviour alone can ensure consolidation, they have been strongly warned that any deviation from this path will lead to their disintegration. <strong>58 - 72</strong>
</p>
<p>
After this pre-requisite, they have been exhorted to make preparation for defence and to fight bravely for the cause of Islam, without showing any kind of cowardice or weakness. They have also been warned to be on their guard against hypocrites. A line of demarcation has been drawn to distinguish the intentional shirkers from the helpless devotees. <strong>73 - 100</strong>
</p>
<p>
Here again instructions have been given for the offering of Salat during military campaigns and actual fighting. This is to impress the importance of Salat even at the time of fear and danger. <strong>101 - 103</strong>
</p>
<p>
Before proceeding on to the next topic, the Muslims have been exhorted to persevere in their fight without showing any kind of weakness. <strong>104</strong>
</p>
<p>
In order to make the Islamic Community firm and strong for defence, the Muslims have been enjoined to observe the highest standard of justice. The Muslims are required to deal out strict justice even in case of the enemy, with whom they might be involved in war. They should also settle disputes between husband and wife with justice. In order to ensure this, they should keep their beliefs and deeds absolutely free from every kind of impurity and should become the standard bearers of justice. <strong>105 - 135</strong>
</p>
<p>
Resuming the theme of defence, the Muslims have been warned to be on their guard against their enemies. They have been admonished to take necessary precautions against the machinations of the hypocrites and the unbelievers and the people of the Book. As belief in Allah, and Revelation and Life-after-death is the only safeguard against every kind of enemy, they should sincerely believe in and follow His Messenger, Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon him). <strong>136 - 175</strong>
</p>
<p>
Though this verse also deals with the family laws contained in verses <strong>1 - 35</strong>, it has been added as a supplement at the end of this Surah because it was revealed long after An-Nisa was being recited as a complete Surah. <strong>176</strong>
</p>

